| EMPIRE HOOK AND LADDER FIRE CO. 76 N FRANKLIN ST. POTTSTOWN PA, 19464 610.326.2212 EMERGENCY'S DIAL 911 EMAIL WEBMASTER |
| DRYER SAFETY |
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Clothes dryers accounted for the largest share of appliance and tool fires between 1994-1998.
Facts & figures*
There were 14,300 clothes dryer fires in U.S. homes in 1998, resulting in 19 deaths, 312 injuries
and $67.7 million in direct property damage.
The leading cause of home clothes dryer fires was lack of maintenance (30%), followed by
unidentified or unknown-type mechanical failure (11%) and part failure, leak or break (10%).
Clothing (not on a person) was the most common source of ignition in home clothes dryer fires,
followed by dust, fiber or lint.
(*From NFPA's U.S. Home Product Report: Appliances and Equipment Involved in Fires, January
2002.)
Safety tips
Do not operate the dryer without a lint filter. Clean lint filters before or after each use and remove
accumulated lint from around the drum.
Make sure that the dryer is plugged into an outlet suitable for its electrical needs as overloaded
electrical outlets can result in blown fuses or tripped circuit breakers.
Turn the dryer off when leaving the home.
Keep the dryer area clear of combustibles (i.e., boxes or clothing).
Dryers should be installed and serviced by a professional.
Have gas-powered dryers inspected by a professional regularly to ensure that the gas line and
connection are intact.
Facts & figures*
There were 14,300 clothes dryer fires in U.S. homes in 1998, resulting in 19 deaths, 312 injuries
and $67.7 million in direct property damage.
The leading cause of home clothes dryer fires was lack of maintenance (30%), followed by
unidentified or unknown-type mechanical failure (11%) and part failure, leak or break (10%).
Clothing (not on a person) was the most common source of ignition in home clothes dryer fires,
followed by dust, fiber or lint.
(*From NFPA's U.S. Home Product Report: Appliances and Equipment Involved in Fires, January
2002.)
Safety tips
Do not operate the dryer without a lint filter. Clean lint filters before or after each use and remove
accumulated lint from around the drum.
Make sure that the dryer is plugged into an outlet suitable for its electrical needs as overloaded
electrical outlets can result in blown fuses or tripped circuit breakers.
Turn the dryer off when leaving the home.
Keep the dryer area clear of combustibles (i.e., boxes or clothing).
Dryers should be installed and serviced by a professional.
Have gas-powered dryers inspected by a professional regularly to ensure that the gas line and
connection are intact.